Group travel from New York, NY, to Delhi, India (airfare not included in tuition)

Touch down in the ancient and mystical world of the Himalaya and prepare for a semester packed with unparalleled language and cultural opportunities in one of the most breathtaking backcountry classrooms in the world.

The Himalaya, or Abode of Snow, swing in a wide arc across four countries and are home to both Everest and K2. Your course will take you to a variety of environments in northern India, starting from the NOLS base in the idyllic mountain town of Ranikhet, Uttarakhand at 6,500 feet in the foothills of the Himalaya.

From there, you will travel through the valleys of the Kumaon and Garhwal regions where the thick conifer and broad-leaf trees of the lower altitudes turn to evergreens, rhododendron, and juniper forests in the high ridges and shrubs, grasses, and wildflowers in the alpine zone.

“The most rewarding section was the test of skills at the end of the semester, which manifested itself as the Independent Student Group Travel. We were able to put our newly learned abilities to the test while bonding with our fellow course mates.”

Dates

March 10 - May 30, 2017

Skills Learned

Backpacking

There’s nothing quite like seeing the remote wilderness on your own two feet, carrying all your own gear on your back while gaining the tools necessary to become a great leader in the backcountry and at home.

Backpacking courses often hike three out of every four days. You’ll travel in small hiking groups so you have more opportunities to lead, make decisions, and map read as you move through beautiful wilderness. Hiking days begin early when you light your stove, cook and enjoy breakfast, and then organize and pack your pack.

You’re usually hiking by mid-morning. Lunch on the trail might be bread you baked the day before, or a trail mix of nuts and dried fruits. You may stop for a short class on natural history, or to learn how to cross a river, travel through boulders or snow, or move over a high pass. When you arrive at your new camp location, you'll first spend time choosing a Leave No Trace site and organizing camp, then you’ll prepare a well-deserved dinner. If the day was long, a short evening meeting may wrap up the day. If the hike was short, there may be a class or discussion.

Cultural

From the cultural opportunities of traveling with local liaisons and students to spending extended time with families who call your destination home, you will develop a new, deeper understanding of the world while on an international NOLS course.

Rafting/kayaking

River courses at NOLS involve a number of different craft, including oar rafts, paddle rafts, canoes and kayaks. Reading the water, scouting rapids, and executing maneuvers such as eddy turns, peel-outs and ferries are all part of the agenda no matter your method of travel.

Wilderness Medicine

Whether you want the basic first aid skills you need to take personal day hikes or the knowledge to supervise others in a backcountry setting, NOLS Wilderness Medicine Institute course offerings will have your needs covered.

“I have learned that the way one maintains oneself in the wilderness determines the success of the expedition. This holds true for life in society as well. ”

-Taylor C.

Semester in India Grad

Location

NOLS India

Dev Bhoomi, called "The Abode of the Gods," is a land steeped in culture, history, and mythology. It is the setting for some of NOLS’ most advanced cultural adventures. You will explore the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of India–places of staggering beauty, high ranges, and ancient civilizations as you walk some of the oldest trade routes between India and Tibet alongside the birthplace of the sacred Ganga River.

Our base in the mountain town of Ranikhet in the state of Uttarakhand, a peaceful rural haven with spectacular views of the Himalayas is where you will acclimatize before heading for the high country.

All our courses have at least one Indian NOLS field instructor, who's extensive knowledge of the region and its human and natural history will be a highlight of your experience. Your introduction to the languages, myths, cultures, and wild beauty of this country will be complete.

You’ll hike through subtropical forests and high alpine meadows, attaining heights you never thought possible—both in elevation and in what you are able to achieve as a NOLS student.